Economic consequences of overweight and obesity in Asia-Pacific

Background: Obesity is considered one of the major modifiable health risk factors contributing to the global burden of disease. Objective: This systematic review aims to summarize the published cost estimates of the Asia-Pacific region that can be attributed to overweight and obesity and compares the amount of additional spending on obesity between countries relative to their gross domestic product. Methodology: A systematic database search in MEDLINE, EMBASE and EBM-Reviews was conducted to identify publications reporting on obesity-associated health care and social costs. All extracted data are either obesity-attributable or direct additional spending on overweight or obesity. The cost estimates have then been inflated to 2009 US$ value as well as put into proportion to the country's gross domestic product (GDP) of the respective year. Results: 75 studies have been identified worldwide. 11 studies were focused on the Asia-Pacific region (Taiwan, China, Japan, Australia and New Zealand). Included studies estimated direct health care costs related to obesity ranging from 0.059% to 0.49% of national GDPs. Highest direct costs calculated indicate that annual spending may be as high as 7.4 billion US$ a year in China. Projections conclude direct and indirect spending on obesity may exceed the over 4.1% of a country's GDP. Conclusions: Published cost estimates in the Asia-Pacific region indicate a considerable economic burden caused by overweight and obesity. The study design of identified publications tends to report conservative cost estimates; the methodology used in those publications varies significantly. (C) 2011 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.